A lot has been happening at the Coop since the last blog post… in 2017.

This summer, we hosted the first-ever Family Reunion. Our fearless leaders, Ian & Ashley, were able to join us for four days of family bonding. Beloved former coop-ians Melissa, Mikah, Andrew, Heather and Bryce were able to make it too. There was so much love, light, and knowledge shared between past generations and the current. We had guest appearances from Ian’s parents, Kara, Leah, and her baby Emma. Although Emma was not the first Coop baby, she might be the cutest. The jury is still out. Keep your eyes peeled for the official invite to the Family Reunion on July 30 – August 2, 2020! After the 2020 reunion, we will be transitioning to biannual Family Reunions.

The latest projects we are working on include finishing the in-ground insulation of the greenhouse, roof repairs, shower repairs, a kitchen face-lift, front yard beautification, and general functionality of the house.​One of the most exciting things in the works has been the legalization of the Coop as an intentional community within the City of Marquette. This task was initially taken on by then-President Scott, worked on by the interim President Sarah (me) and is now headed up by current President Bryce. This process required a site plan of the property, a parking management plan, layout of the house, completed application and a hefty fee. We have been working with City officials throughout this process and are on track to be the first legal intentional community in Marquette!

We have recently reinvigorated our focus on the community we aim to foster at the Coop. We host monthly Beer and Boulders the first Friday of every month from 7 – 9 pm. On the third Wednesday of the month, we host Boulder Babes; an annual time chunk blocked off to create a ladies-only bouldering space for women. We host monthly potlucks the fourth Sunday of the month. All are welcome! For an updated calendar of events, check out our Facebook page or swing by the house to check out the calendar on our blackboard.

In order to foster community, we are working to establish and maintain our connection to past generations of coop-ians. We created a closed group for past coop-ians to weigh in on current dealings on the Coop and to offer advice. This group is known as the Council of Elders. Three members of the Council of Elders will be eligible to hold the Community Member positions on our Board of Directors (with voting power). Those three members will be self-selected by the group. Nominations for the Community Member seats will be accepted at the beginning of each Term when the House Members select their roles and establish this Board. If you’re interested in this group, please shoot us an email or message and we’ll be sure to add you in. You can expect monthly updates about the house!